View Specification DocumentHonours Physics Laboratory PHYS4009
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Physics and Astronomy
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
To provide students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the key principles and applications of the Physics Laboratory course, and their relevance to current developments in physics.
Timetable
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am-5pm
Requirements of Entry
This course is normally only open to students who meet the requirements for entry, or progression, for a degree programme which includes Honours Physics Laboratory as an elective or compulsory course.
Honours Physics Laboratory is a compulsory course for the following degree programmes:
BSc (Honours) Physics, BSc (Honours) Physics with Astrophysics, MSci Physics, MSci Physics with Astrophysics
Honours Physics Laboratory is an elective course for the following degree programmes:
BSc (Designated) Physics, BSc (Designated) Physics with Astrophysics
Honours Physics Laboratory is a prohibited course for the following degree programmes:
BSc Theoretical Physics, MSci Theoretical Physics
Excluded Courses
Honours Computational Physics Laboratory, Theoretical Physics Group Project, Combined Honours Physics Laboratory
Co-requisites
Mathematical Methods 1; Quantum Mechanics; Thermal Physics
Assessment
Laboratory (80%)
Lab report (20%)
Course Aims
To provide students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the key principles of experimental physics, and their importance for the planning and execution of experimental investigations of physical processes using both standard and more advanced laboratory equipment.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and broad understanding of the key principles of experimental physics. They should be able to: programme straightforward procedures in a high level computer language; evaluate random and systematic errors inherent in experimental measurements; analyse and interpret experimental data and make a critical assessment and draw valid conclusions from the results of experimental investigations; apply computer software to analyse experimental data and to write scientific reports; prepare a detailed written report on an experimental investigation; apply logical analysis to problem solving; appreciate open problems typical of business situations.